Conflict between Israel and Gaza: Will Hamas Endure through the turmoil? Insights from Specialists
In a move that has sparked international concern, Israel has announced plans to take military control of Gaza City, aiming to diminish Hamas's control and military capacity. This decision, however, is expected to intensify the conflict rather than resolve it.
The United Nations and international rights bodies strongly oppose this plan, warning that it will cause more massive displacement, killings, suffering, and violations of international law. Israel intends to consolidate control over Gaza, pushing Palestinians southward and attempting to undermine Hamas's governance by supporting alternative local groups and controlling aid distribution.
Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, firmly rejects disarmament demands and conditions such as full disarmament or cessation of hostilities before a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is recognized. Hamas maintains its position that it will not give up its armed resistance without achieving full statehood, directly opposing Israel’s precondition for disarmament and the end of hostilities.
The potential impact of Israel’s military takeover of Gaza City includes a heightened humanitarian crisis and civilian suffering, as warned by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, including forced displacement and destruction. The risk of escalation into broader regional tension is also high, with neighboring countries like Syria condemning Israeli strikes related to the conflict.
Entrenchment of the conflict is another significant concern, since Hamas refuses to disarm without statehood recognition, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas militarily and politically as a baseline for any ceasefire. International backlash and diminishing support for Israel are also expected, as calls increase for humanitarian access, hostage release, and peace negotiations.
The Arab League, consisting of 22 countries including Qatar, has signed the New York declaration demanding Hamas's disarmament. Egypt and Qatar, acting as mediators in the Gaza talks, signed the declaration, but Israel and the United States did not. The United States believes at least 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza; some have died, and some have returned to Israel.
The conflict in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on both sides. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in an attack on October 7, 2023. Hamas still uses some of the hostages for negotiation leverage. In early August, Hamas released a video of hostage aviator David, who appeared very weak and malnourished.
The current trajectory suggests intensified hostilities and humanitarian crises unless breakthrough diplomatic solutions addressing both security and political demands are reached. The situation in Gaza is complex and fraught with tension, requiring urgent attention and diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution.
[1] UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Press Release, [Date] [2] The New York Times, "Israel Plans to Take Military Control of Gaza City," [Date] [3] Chatham House, "Israel's Gaza Plan: Implications and Challenges," [Date] [4] Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, "Gaza Under Siege: A Humanitarian Crisis," [Date] [5] Al Jazeera, "Hamas and Israel: The Road to War," [Date]
- Amidst global opposition and warnings of escalating humanitarian crises, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights voices concern about Israel's intentions to take military control of Gaza City, expecting it to exacerbate ongoing health issues, war-and-conflicts, and general news.
- International bodies, including the UN, have strongly advocated against Israel's plan to control Gaza, fearing that this move could lead to more displacement, killings, suffering, and violations of international law, further entrenching the politics of conflict in the region.
